A Learning Packet to Help Nurses Understand the School-Age Child's Interpretation of Intravenous Therapy
Abstract
Based on the premise that the school-age child may have misconceptions regarding the purpose of intravenous therapy, an essay was designed to develop a self-paced learning packet to help nurses understand the child's interpretation of this treatment. The essay contains a review of literature in two major areas: the cognitive capability of the school-age child and the coping resources utilized by school-age children. The packet is intended for use by baccalaureate graduate nurses or current students. The packet contains the following sections: a statement of learning objectives; information in narrative form discussing the child's interpretation of treatment with infusion therapy and his need to cope with immobilization during treatment recommendations for further self-directed reading and a post-test. Illness and treatment with parenteral therapy are interpreted as threatening changes in the child's environment, necessitating the implementation of coping behaviors. It is suggested that the nurse who can understand the child's interpretation of the treatment and can support his coping efforts, will be better able to help the child use his energies for the healing process.